Take a trip to Texas. But you don't have to go that far. Just drive to Cortland Repertory Theatre for "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," the award-winning musical.

Miss Mona operates the title institution, where football teams that win are treated to an evening of fun. But a newsman wants to close it down, a move he also expects will enhance his reputation. Caught in the middle is the local sheriff.

The musical was inspired by Texas' real-life Chicken Ranch.

Note to Auburn residents: Auburn native Thommie Walsh was nominated, with Tommy Tune, for a Tony Award for best choreography of the original Broadway production and also directed and choreographed a tour several years ago in which Ann-Margret played Miss Mona.

Staged by CRT Producing Artistic Director Kerby Thompson, the show made its bow Wednesday night. It plays through Aug. 2 at the company's home in the Pavilion Theatre in Dwyer Park on Little York Lake.

CHILDREN'S PROGRAM AT STAGE

Syracuse Stage's Archbold Theater will be filled with young performers Saturday as Rising Star Children's Theatre presents a double bill.

At noon, the youngsters offer a junior version of Disney's "Mulan," directed by Jennifer Pearson. At 3 p.m., the musical "Into the Woods" will be performed by a cast directed by her sister, Meghan Pearson.

The Pearsons follow the theory that theater is a family enterprise. Mom Deb will be staging "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," also a Rising Star mounting, Thursday through Saturday in the auditorium at G. Ray Bodley High School.

JAZZ AT CAZENOVIA COUNTERPOINT

Cazenovia Counterpoint, the summer series of the Society for New Music, gets under way today with the Zoe Jazz Ensemble playing a concert at 9 p.m. in the village's Lakeland Park. A variety of events is slated for weekends through Aug.1.

'MURDERED BY THE MOB' SETS SAIL

The Roaring'20s come alive again when "Murdered by the Mob" is staged for a single performance starting at 5:30 p.m. today as Bright Star Productions sets out on a dinner theater cruise from Brewerton's Seaway Navigation Tour location.

The boat serves as a speakeasy which is owned by Danny D'Angelo. Its master of ceremonies is Johnny Biscotti and top entertainer is Lydia LaJoy, who is supported by a few chorines.

'LAUGHING MAN' IN CHITTENANGO

Summerplay returns for its fourth season with "The Laughing Man," an original comedy mystery written and directed by Greg Ellstrom. An ensemble of 21 plays out the saga of a group of bus travelers on a back-road tour who are forced to take refuge is a sleazy motel.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday in Chittenango High School auditorium.

Joan Vadeboncoeur writes Monday through Wednesday and Friday in CNY, Thursday in Weekend and Sunday in Stars Magazine.